Hydraulic fluid

Grapple · Aug 7, 2020

Hey guys,
What are all you guys using for hydraulic fluid. I have a Kubota 3901. Kubota is a little like goal. I know there is a comparable fluid that wont void warranty. Also engine oil.
Thanks guys

Richard · Aug 7, 2020

When I bought the used International, I was going to fill it (something like 25/30 gallons, but I forget)

Anyway, I was going to dump fluid, put fresh in for maybe six months or so, then dump it with new stuff again.

It is amazing (be it right or wrong) how much pressure I got on an International forum (not TBN by the way) that I "simply MUST" replace it with International's Hytrans.....Well, that's all good & stuff until you realize my only place to buy Hytrans is about 90 minutes away.... ok....I can do a road trip with breakfast or something BUT, they're also asking $150 for a 5 gallon bucket.

So this "flush" is going to become quite costly.

My job takes me to that location every now & then so over a period of six months or so, I'd buy a bucket here.... maybe two there....finally got a bit more than I needed and did my change. At that price though, I'm living with the initial change and not doing a flush "just because".

It is interesting when you talk to the Red-Heads (hahahahaha, I just made that up!) anyway, just how rabid they are over using nothing but Hytrans....there is NOTHING in this world (apparently according to them) anywhere near as perfect as Hytrans is for an International.....

I'm still chuckling over calling them the Red-Heads..... of course, I now have one so it's not disrespecting them.

Roadworthy · Aug 7, 2020

If you have a Kubota with the HST I know of no other fluid which will fulfill the warranty requirements. If you have a standard transmission there are other fluids you can get away with - though probably not recommended by Kubota. Kubota does not insist on using THEIR engine oil. Many users go with Shell Rotella. Kubota does specify viscosity depending on the temperature where you're working.

WoodDuck · Aug 7, 2020

I own a Kioti, and run the Kubota Super UDT2 that everyone raves about. But brother, it ain't cheap! At the 50 hour service, I drained the factory oil before changing the hydro filters. Manual says to just change the filters without draining it, but a lot of people said that made a huge mess for them. I refilled it with the Kubota stuff at that time. I run Rotella T6 full synthetic engine oil in all my diesels. The front axles ship from Kioti with the same UTF in them that the rear-end has in it for break in, then you change it at 50 hours as well. Some guys stick with the UTF in the front axles, other switch to normal gear oil of some kind. I had a full case of Schaeffer's synthetic 75w-90 at the time, so I used that. Filters all came from the dealer, because I didn't want any disputes if I had a warranty claim of some kind in the future. I hit the loader and grapple zerks every time I refuel with Schaeffer's #219 EP waterproof grease. For what I paid for the machine, lubricants didn't seem like a good place to try and save a few bucks to me, as this thing has to last me a long time.

John Skull · Aug 10, 2020

Mobil "Mobilfluid 424" from Summit Racing is $73.99 for a pair of 2.5 gallon jugs.

Electricbroom · Aug 14, 2020

I use the Super UDT2, I was considering Amsoil but UDT2 is pretty cheap from dealer and on amazon. Messicks has a very informative you tube video worth watching on those very subjects, how hydraulic/transmission oils can be rated whatever the manufacturer puts on them, that's why i stick with the Kubota stuff.